Wilma Mankiller

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the idea of home or feeling the sting of unfairness in the world. It provides a grounded, accessible introduction to how a person can turn their own hardships into a lifelong mission to help others. The story follows Wilma Mankiller from her difficult childhood on an Oklahoma farm to her forced relocation to California and her eventual return to lead the Cherokee Nation. Through Wilma's journey, children learn about the importance of cultural identity and the resilience required to fight for civil rights. It is particularly appropriate for elementary students who are beginning to notice social inequalities and want to know how leadership works in the real world. A parent might choose this to celebrate indigenous history or to show that true strength often comes from staying connected to one's roots while advocating for change.